An individual who laced candy with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two children who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight children and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
The man played a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She said the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his family member had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were located, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated the defendant proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member notified the authorities a second time.
She stated the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
